The winter months can be a difficult time for many people, especially those who live in colder climates like the UK. The shorter days and longer nights, combined with the cold temperatures, can make it challenging to maintain a positive attitude and stay motivated. However, more and more people work remotely in the post-Covid world. For those people, even during the winter months, there is the opportunity to escape to a warmer, sunnier location. Here we’ll look at why you might want a winter escape, and how to make it happen.
Why holiday in winter?
The first and most obvious reason is the weather. After months of cold and dreary weather, the prospect of sunshine, blue skies, and warmer temperatures can be incredibly appealing. It’s not just for pleasure- many people in the UK suffer from the seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression related to changes in the seasons. Symptoms of SAD include low mood, lethargy, and a lack of motivation. A winter escape can provide an opportunity to break out of this cycle and boost one’s mood with some much-needed sunshine.
Another reason why people in the UK might want a winter holiday is to take advantage of the lower prices and smaller crowds. Winter is typically considered to be the off-season for many tourist destinations, which means that prices are often lower than during peak season. In addition, there are often fewer tourists around, which can make for a more relaxing and enjoyable experience. For those on a moderate budget, this can be an ideal time to travel and get the most value for their money.
But isn’t it a waste of my precious days off?
This is a dilemma that many people face. If you want proper summer weather on your holiday then you need to either break the bank and head to the tropics or wait until the weather is warmer closer to home. Unless though, you work remotely. Even though the UK is no longer in the EU, you can still live in any EU country for 90 days without a visa. This means you can keep doing your current job while you get some sunshine. Sipping a coffee on your balcony while you take in the Spanish sol is a much nicer working environment than being stuck in your living room. In the evenings, and at weekends, you are already in a fantastic location, ready to make the most of your downtime and completely forget about winter.
This also has a big impact on how much your holiday costs. These days you can jet around Europe for next to nothing, and most European countries are cheaper places to live in than the UK, so the costs you incur will often be mostly offset by lower spending overall. If you can also rent out your home in the UK, you might even make money!
I’m sold- what next?
The first step in escaping the winter is to identify a suitable location. There are many destinations around the world that offer warmer temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. If we want to keep it affordable we should look at Europe, and if you want some sunshine in Europe, then you’re probably thinking of somewhere on the Mediterranean. Spain, Portugal, Malta, Greece, Italy, Croatia. There are so many to choose from, and that’s just on the European side. The key is to find a location that aligns with your personal interests and needs. You may have places on your bucket list that you still have to visit, or there may be particular activities you want to try. If you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or surfing, you’ll want to consider a good place to do them.
Once you have identified a suitable location, it’s important to plan ahead. This may involve booking flights and accommodation, as well as researching the local culture, customs, and activities. It’s also important to make sure that you have the necessary tools and equipment to work remotely. This may include a reliable internet connection, a laptop or tablet, and any other tools or software that you need to do your job effectively. Renting short term will allow you to avoid the extra complications that come with normal rentals, and your agency will be able to help you get set up, and give you advice on what you need to know before switching countries.
Time to get booking then
Winter in the UK shows no sign of slowing down, so if you are remote working, then
getting away for a while may be just what you need to beat the winter blues and maintain a positive attitude. Getting some time away can benefit you, and also the people around you, as you return with a renewed sense of energy and motivation. So why not find your flight today, shake off the winter blues and start a new.
